Page 32 (1/2)

Alicia and I exchange an aanized

"I love your dress," I tell her, adreat"

Alicia looks down "Oh, thank you It’s actually by a designer I’ with, Brittany Ray"

"Brit?" I exclaim, surprised "She made that? Really?"

Alicia looks taken aback "You know her?"

"Sure," I say, then lower ht now I saw her just thispitch of hers?" I ask

"Not really, I just introduced her to some people, that’s all She’s so talented" Alicia sounds wistful "And Hunter?" she adds, clearing her throat She looks flushed, taking a sip of iced tea "How is he doing?"

"I don’t know about him, he’s always up at the ranch, but Brit co at the coincidence "What a small world!"

"Right" Alicia gives ht smile "Crazy"

"Carina!" Suzie suddenly screa?"

There’s silence Everybody turns to stare atdown at my empty hand "Well, actually…" I clear , or some other excuse Then I stop myself I didn’t want to tell the would only ether anyives a little laugh "Don’t tell me you lost this one too?" She reaches over to pat my hand "Honestly, Carina, one is an accident, but three is just careless!"

There are titters of amusement My cheeks burn "It’s for the best," I say quietly

"But ill you do now?" Suzie deree

"And ill make up our tennis four now?" Mindy cries

"Are you sure you won’t work it out?" Suzie takes up the call "It’s not like there are many bachelors still out there, everyone’s paired off by now"

"I can’t iine life without my Preston," Alexis pipes up "We’re so happy"